San Francisco had amazing weather this past weekend. And I had company in town. So while we were out visiting the Exploratorium, I split off from the group for a few minutes and grabbed a little footage of the Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina neighborhood. I hope you enjoy!

While I was researching the narration for the video I ended up learning a lot about the site that I didn’t originally know. For example, I had no idea that the palace of fine arts was once used as 18 tennis courts, storage for the Army, or as a telephone book distribution center. Telephone book? What’s that?! It was also such a popular building during the exposition that a campaign to save it from destruction had begun before the expo had even ended. And who says San Francisco hasn’t always liked a good cause?

The Palace of Fine Arts was originally built for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition, which was theoretically a celebration of the opening of the Panama Canal but was really just a great excuse to throw a party and show the world how well San Francisco had recovered from the 1906 earthquake. For those of you who think San Francisco vanity is a recent phenomenon, I offer you the 1915 expo as proof that we’ve always been a vain city! It was completely demolished and rebuilt in 1965 because the lightweight materials it was originally built with were never designed to last for a long period and it was literally crumbling to the ground.

Another renovation and seismic upgrade were recently completed, and I highly encourage you to get outside and enjoy this San Francisco treasure. One more fun fact: Only two buildings built for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition remain standing in their original locations. One of them is the Palace of Fine Arts. Any guesses about the other building?

The Marina neighborhood is filled with stunning views of iconic San Francisco locales like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of fine arts. Located at the tip of the San Francisco peninsula it is bounded roughly on the north by Lombard street, bounded by Lyon to the west and Van Ness to the east.Â Much of the Marina is built on landfill debris from the 1906Â earthquake and fire and as a result, the Marina is one of the flattest neighborhoods in town – a treat for runners and walkers both as they stroll through Ft. Mason,Â Marina Green, or Chrissy Field (however, on the downside, it also means that most of The Marina is on ground that will liquefy during an earthquake, a term known as liquefaction).

Chestnut street is home to the neighborhood shopping district, with both chain stores and many local boutiques. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, be sure to try a cupcake at Kara’s on Scott street (a personal favorite of mine). And Kara, if you appreciate the plug, feel free to send me some cupcakes. I’m not picky about the flavor! The Marina is also a happening nightlife destination for young professionals, and some great restaurants (other thank cupcakes) can also be found in the neighborhood.

Real estate in the Marina neighborhood features many single family homes, as well as condominiums in smaller buildings and some medium sized apartment buildings. There are some smaller unit buildings as well. “Marina Style” barrel front homes and art deco style buildings are a hallmark of the area. Want to know more about homes for sale in The Marina? Give us a call, tweet, or email today and we would be happy to help you explore this stunning San Francisco neighborhood.

Join SF Recreation and Parks and the SF Parks Trust on August 4, 2010, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Marina Green West (Marina Blvd. and Yacht Rd.) for an awesome day of free, family-friendly activities, including giant inflatables, carnival rides, live entertainment, games and more!

About Us

Whether you're dreaming of your first home or planning for your next, we promise that you'll get the full benefit of our top-notch negotiation skills, industry relationships and market knowledge when you partner with us. Modern representation, even in Victorians.